Brazil's Temer - right man for the job?

Friday, May 13, 2016 - 01:45

Brazil licks its political wounds after the suspension of Dilma Rousseff as president - her new interim replacement calling for his country to rally behind a 'national salvation' government. But is Michel Temer the right man to overcome massive economic challenges? Joel Flynn reports.

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The smile on Michel Temer's face might be broad, but so too are the list of his problems.
Brazil's interim president swore in his new cabinet just hours after the senate voted to impeach his predecessor, Dilma Rousseff.
Confidence, Temer said, the key to overcoming the country's current economic and political crises.
SOUNDBITE: Interim Brazilian President, Michel Temer, saying (Portuguese):
"My first word to the Brazilian people, is the word 'trust.' Trust in the values that form the character of our people. In the vitality of our democracy. Trust in the recuperation of our country's economy."
Rousseff might be about to stand trial for breaking budget laws, but Temer himself will also be under scrutiny.
The 75-year-old has prioritised business-friendly policies, and Wall Street seems to like him.
But corruption has been rife in Brazil's political ranks for some time - and not everyone is convinced Temer will be the end of that.
SOUNDBITE: World First Chief Economist, Jeremy Cook, saying (English):
"There are corruption allegations against him as well - campaign finance issues - which may lead to him not being able to stand for office for another eight years, so this story is by no means over."
Brazil's economy needs work.
Facing its worst recessions since the Great Depression could mean radical moves are needed.
Public spending is bloated - but any move by Temer to cut social programmes could spell trouble.
SOUNDBITE: World First Chief Economist, Jeremy Cook, saying (English):
"You'd have to say for those in lower socio-economic positions that they are likely to not benefit immediately moving forward, so this could even generate more angst."
Not everyone in Brazil is happy with Rousseff's impeachment.
These bonfires in the city of Sao Paulo lit by her supporters.
Temer's first task will be to heal the country's division - a new all-white, all-male cabinet might not be seen as the best step towards that.

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